NHS gives definitive answer on how many cigarettes one disposable vape is equivalent to
The vaping vs smoking debate is still raging on, as many people are still unconvinced that colourful plastic disposables are safer than traditional tobacco.
The NHS has decided to weigh in on the topic and finally settle one of the largest points of contention that has caused murders in the smoking area.
Most people are pessimistic about the idea that sucking on a battery-powered, liquid filled, portable e-cig is somehow a better alternative to lighting up a cigarette.
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For a start, they are much easier to reach for - so some people find themselves using a vape much more frequently than they would have gone outside for a smoke break.
Disposable vapes in the UK typically have 600 puffs to make use of, so naturally, people want to know how many cigarettes that is equivalent to.
There is a lot of conflicting information out there on vaping - but the bottom line is, experts say it's a good tool to help you quit smoking.
It's not completely harmless or risk-free - something the UK government clearly believe after they announced plans to ban disposable vapes in the new year - but is 'substantially less' detrimental than puffing on cigarettes.
UK experts found that in the short and medium-term, vaping poses a 'small fraction of the risks of smoking'.
This is because cigarettes release thousands of different dodgy chemicals when they burn - which are poisonous and can cause cancer.
Most of the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide, are not contained in vape aerosol.
Instead, vapers get a nicotine hit by heating an e-liquid, which contains far fewer toxins which are at much lower levels than cigarettes. Former smokers say they are lots more effective than using nicotine patches or gum to quit.
But how many cigarettes have you essentially puffed on by the time you finish a disposable vape? Well, the answer may surprise you.
According to the NHS, a UK standard disposable vape delivers a similar amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes.
It explained: "A UK-regulated disposable vape with the highest legal nicotine level (20mg/ml) contain 2ml of liquid and 40mg of nicotine. This delivers, on average, about 20mg of nicotine to the user.
"A pack of 20 cigarettes contains 200 to 300mg of nicotine. This delivers, on average, 20 to 30mg of nicotine to the smoker."
Apparently, 600 puff vapes should last between one and two days with moderate to heavy use.
So next time you're blasting through an e-cig in 48 hours, remember you've essentially gone through an entire 20 deck.
Maybe that will give you the kick to finally quit.
Olivia Burke